Latest Updates
Latest Updates/News
Municipal Consultations – Mandatory Orientation Training for Newly Elected Councillors
Bill 212, An Act Respecting Administrative Measures for Housing, received Royal Assent on April 9, 2026. Bill 212 introduces a requirement for municipalities to provide orientation training to newly elected councillors. The Minister of Municipal Affairs has the authority to make regulations respecting the content, format, and timing of the training, as well as prescribing who will be responsible for delivering it. It is anticipated that incoming regulations respecting new councillor orientation will be advanced ahead of the next municipal elections.
To ensure municipal perspectives are reflected in the development of these regulations, NSFM will host consultation sessions with members throughout October. These sessions will help identify current municipal orientation practices, opportunities, and barriers, and will inform the development of an orientation framework that is accessible, equitable, and realistic for both newly elected councillors and municipalities.
Members are encouraged to register for the session that best fits their schedule and region:
- Monday, Oct 5 | 9:00 – 11:00 am – Bridgewater, Best Western Plus Hotel & Convention Centre (registration form)
- Thursday, Oct 8 | 1:00 – 3:00 pm – Virtual via Microsoft Teams (webinar link)
- Tuesday, Oct 13 | 9:00 – 11:00 am – Truro, Best Western (registration form)
- Wednesday, Oct 14 | 9:00 – 11:00 am – Wolfville, Old Orchard Inn (registration form)
- Friday, Oct 16 | 9:00 – 11:00 am – Port Hawkesbury, Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre (registration form)
- Monday, Oct 26 | 9:00 – 11:00 am – Yarmouth, Rodd Grand (registration form)
- Thursday, Oct 29 | 1:00 – 3:00 pm - Virtual via Microsoft Teams (webinar link)
Contact:
Please contact Info@nsfm.ca for any questions about the sessions or registration.
BCSF-CS Spotlight - Municipality of the County of Richmond: Arichat’s Level-2 EV Charger
The Municipality of the County of Richmond recently invested in a Level 2 EV charger to support cleaner transportation while reflecting their commitment to accessibility and community use. Extra attention was paid to placement and sizing to ensure the parking spot met the accessibility standard. Read more here: BCSF Community stream Spotlight - Municipality of the County of Richmond: Arichat’s Level-2 EV Charger
Applications are now open for the 2026 NSFM Climate Change Leaders Award.
Each year, this award recognizes Nova Scotia municipalities demonstrating leadership in climate change adaptation and/or mitigation through innovative initiatives, collaboration, and meaningful community involvement.
If your municipality is advancing practical climate action, this is an opportunity to share your work, celebrate local leadership, and help inspire communities across the province.
Learn more and apply: Click Here
Harassment Prevention and Safer Workplaces Together: Regulatory Updates and the Path Ahead (an NSFM Webinar)
Presented by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration
Join us for a timely update on workplace harassment following the September 1, 2025 implementation of new regulations. Learn about emerging trends, key insights, and what we’re seeing across Nova Scotia workplaces. The session also highlights the importance of working together, explores shared progress and what comes next to improve workplace safety in Nova Scotia. This interactive session is your opportunity to share what tools, resources, and supports you need. Let’s work together to strengthen understanding, improve prevention, and better support workplaces across the province.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, August 20
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Format: Online
Note: Anyone can view and join
Register: Click Here
Presenter
Blaise MacNeil, Safety Advisor, Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration
Improving quality of life for residents and opening the door to housing The Town of Oxford found that one Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) Community stream supported infrastructure project could solve several challenges, including supporting housing growth. Read More
